The Best Episodes of Parks and Recreation Season 1
Every episode of Parks and Recreation Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Parks and Recreation Season 1!
In an attempt to beautify her town — and advance her career — Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana, takes on bureaucrats, cranky neighbors, and single-issue fanatics whose weapons are lawsuits, the jumble of city codes, and the democratic process she loves so much.
Season 1 Ratings Summary
The best episode of "Parks and Recreation" season 1 is "Pilot", rated 6.9/10 from 4227 user votes. It was directed by Greg Daniels and written by Greg Daniels, Michael Schur. "Pilot" aired on 4/9/2009 and is rated 0.1 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Canvassing".
6.9/10 4,227 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 4/9/2009
Indiana government worker Leslie Knope is given the assignment to convert an abandoned quarry pit into a community park. A documentary film crew follows Leslie through her mishaps and gaffes as she tries to make her assignment a reality.
Director: Greg Daniels
Writer: Greg Daniels, Michael Schur
7.0/10 3,627 votes#2 - Canvassing
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 4/16/2009
Leslie decides that she and her committee need to go door-to-door to gain support for the park project as well as support for an upcoming town hall meeting, but their mission does not go as planned. Meanwhile, Tom wanders away from the canvassing group and uses his own creative recruitment tactics.
Director: Seth Gordon
Writer: Rachel Axler
7.1/10 3,391 votes#3 - The Reporter
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 4/23/2009
Leslie arranges for a reporter to do a story about her park project, but she and her committee have the worst time staying on topic. She then calls Mark to help her save the story, but it ends up hurting more than helping. Meanwhile, Tom does all he can to suck up to his boss.
Director: Jeffrey Blitz
Writer: Daniel J. Goor
7.2/10 3,299 votes#4 - Boys' Club
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 4/30/2009
Leslie attempts to break into the political "old boy's club," causing an ethical dilemma. Meanwhile, Andy plans a surprise for Ann.
Director: Michael McCullers
Writer: Alan Yang
7.1/10 3,176 votes#5 - The Banquet
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 5/7/2009
During a banquet honoring her mother's public service, Leslie tries to convince a local zoning official to support her proposed park project. Meanwhile, Mark and Tom try to meet some ladies.
Director: Beth McCarthy-Miller
Writer: Tucker Cawley
7.6/10 3,210 votes#6 - Rock Show
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 5/14/2009
Leslie attends what she believes is a business meeting with an elderly local government bigwig, unaware that her mother has secretly set her up on a blind date. Andy plays his first gig since breaking both of his legs in the pit.
Director: Michael Schur
Writer: Norm Hiscock